SOUTHERN MISS: Ellis Johnson has giant shoes to fill replacing former head coach Larry Fedora and the first thing he'll have to do is find a reliable quarterback. Whoever emerges between Chris Campbell and Ricky Lloyd will have the chance to play behind a strong offensive line that will start four seniors. Desmond Johnson (5.7 YPC) is the guy who looks to get the most touches at tailback this season with the versatile Jeremy Hester also getting some carries. The strength of the Golden Eagles could be their wide receiving corps that includes the speedy and undersized Tracy Lampley (1,037 total yards, 7 total TD) and 6-foot-4 converted TE Markese Triplett. Former Memphis head man Tommy West takes over as defensive coordinator and has some talent on the defensive line and secondary. Southern Miss will have to rely on green players at the linebacker positions to round out a defense that could be strong again (20.8 PPG, 26th in nation) if recruits and transfers are ready to contribute.

UCF: Sophomore QB Blake Borles will start under center for UCF in 2012 after a superb finish to his 2011 freshman campaign (6 TD, 3 INT, 68.2% completions). Receivers Quincy McDuffie and Josh Reese are also looking to build upon impressive freshman years to make this offense something truly special. The Knights should have an excellent running game this season with Brynn Harvey (2,202 rush yds, 18 TD in career) and Latavius Murray (233 rush yds vs. UTEP) operating behind a solid offensive line. On the other side of the ball, eight starters are coming back on a defense that showed signs of dominance last year (18.3 PPG, 303 YPG, both 9th in FBS), before being offset by injuries. If this team can stay healthy and get consistent play from its linebackers, its defense is good enough to get this team to the Conference-USA championship.